Looking beyond the label

This is a Education Subject Spotlight with Trevor Cotterill from the University of Derby. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Education.

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Join Trevor Cotterill as he looks beyond the labels when considering Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), thinking about how we use labels and categories when identifying SEND, the issues surrounding the notion of inclusion, and an introduction to the complexities associated with identifying the characteristics of autism. Trevor also poses two case studies relating to autism and challenges you to apply your understanding of the topics covered in this Subject Spotlight.

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About University of Derby

Located in the heart of England, the University of Derby offers industry-relevant, expert teaching, study and research. They offer industry-relevant, expert teaching, study and research. The University of Derby is a place where you can live your dream, where you can realise your vision for your future. It's a place where you can truly be yourself and where you can take your passion and talent and use them to create a better world. They have a long and proud heritage of using their knowledge and innovation to support the prosperity of the Derbyshire region, the nation and around the world. Their strong industry links, expert academics and real-world classroom facilities equip and prepare students to fulfil their potential, whatever their background.

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Trevor Cotterill

Trevor Cotterill is Programme Leader for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and lectures on the MA and BA (Hons) courses. He teaches on the SEND programme, and his research interests include autism, the role of neurobiology and cognition in relation to it, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). His central focus is on encouraging issues and debates around the discourse surrounding SEND. With over 40 years experience within the field of education, Trevor has taught in secondary schools as well as in Further and Higher Education. His career started in a number of secondary schools, becoming an Assistant Head of Science, before teaching in two FE colleges, lecturing in Psychology, Teacher Education and SEND. On becoming a Programme Leader for SEND, Trevor became interested in the aetiology of aspects of SEND such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and co-occurring issues. He has also worked with a number of local education authorities (LEAs), the NHS and Special Schools, with a focus on the professional development of their staff. Trevor has worked with a number of external agencies to develop their staff, including the Probation Service, private training providers, the NHS, the Prison Service and two Police Authorities. He has written Foundation Degrees and Advanced Diplomas in SEND, along with a BA (Hons) SEND and continuing professional development modules. Trevor has also spoken about autism at national and international conferences and worked with international students in the Netherlands. Trevor is also an author of textbooks and chapters on the subject matter of SEND.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

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This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

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